Analytics and advisory company Gallup quantifies employee wellness on a sliding scale with three measures: suffering, struggling, and thriving. Employees who thrive are those who have a rewarding career, caring relationships, financial stability, physical health, and a supportive community.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association created Blue365SM to improve access to benefits that make everyday life better. It’s a discount program that’s free for Highmark group health plan members. There are no set-up costs or limits on the savings that employees can enjoy. Employers can also purchase certain items in bulk for even greater group discounts.
Building awareness of programs like Blue365 can help employees thrive personally and professionally. They can feel more engaged, improve their productivity, and achieve daily goals. The discount program is a sure thing, especially when considering this data from Gallup:
Not only is Blue365 free to use, the savings can add up over time. The size and scope of Blue Cross Blue Shield allow for greater buying power, with bigger discounts for eligible members.
Discounts available to Highmark members through Blue365 include:
Blue365 offers group discounts for employers who want to further incentivize their employees to adopt and maintain healthy habits. For example, companies can subsidize gym memberships or waive gym enrollment fees.
Employees and their dependents get an affordable choice of national gym locations, live and virtual classes, and fitness apps. In addition, these programs offer discounted access to personal trainers, chiropractors, nutrition counselors, and other health and wellness specialists.
Fitbit and Garmin wearable devices are also available with bulk pricing. All Fitbit purchases come with a six-month subscription to the Fitbit Premium™ app. This app helps employees track key wellness measures such as stress, sleep, weight loss, and activity. Daily readiness scores and deep-dive wellness reports help users achieve their personal best.
The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) reports that wearables have substantial value for employees. These devices provide real-time feedback and personalized prompts to improve movement and adopt healthier behaviors. Not only can employees observe everyday progress, they can interact with the device for coaching and advice.
Employers can create healthy competitions and challenges by gamifying wearable use. Milestones, badges, and leaderboards motivate users to reach new goals. A study of Health Wearables, Gamification, and Healthful Activity showed that previously sedentary employees benefit the most. On average, participants walked 370 more steps (a 3.5% increase) each day. Sedentary employees increased their step count by 1,300 — a 15% increase.
Blue365 makes it simple for employees to start reaping the rewards of a healthier lifestyle. Your team can sign up and get discounts today. They will need their Highmark membership card and a few minutes to personalize their offers to meet individual goals.
Blue365 also offers a complete library of Healthy Tips and helpful information. Articles include advice on going to the gym, getting the right athletic shoes, and choosing healthy foods. There are also topics on childcare, family vacations, hearing aids, home ownership, and other practicalities of daily life.
Read more about what Blue365 can do with these real-world stories from people who are benefiting from the program.
All references to “Highmark” in this communication are references to Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.
The Blue365 program is brought to you by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies.
Talk to your client manager today and we’ll help you find the right health plan for your company.
